What is one major weakness associated with the developmental approach?

The major weakness associated with the developmental approach is that it can take a long time to gather data. This is primarily due to the nature of studying development, which often requires longitudinal studies or extensive observations over time to accurately track changes and growth in individuals. Collecting data at different developmental stages necessitates a significant investment of time and resources, making it challenging to conduct research efficiently and draw quick conclusions.

In comparison, while other options touch on various aspects of research, they do not encapsulate this significant limitation of the developmental approach. For instance, relying solely on qualitative data may be an issue in some studies but is not a fundamental weakness. Similarly, the focus on cognitive development is a core aspect rather than a weakness, and developmental stages being overlooked is less common in a well-constructed developmental study. Thus, the time-consuming nature of gathering data clearly stands out as a major concern in this approach.